Kerala culture tour is concieved by Johnson Gilbert, who has over 10 years experience in Tourism and Event management experience. It is formulated by him for the traveller who are keen to combine their vacation in Kerala and who also want to experience the culture of the Kerala way of life. Through countless conversations with tourists who frequent his guesthouse since the early 90’sJohnson realized that there ‘s a growing demand among tourists to get off the beaten path and get more out of their holiday than just ticking off tourist landmarks and taking phtographs for their India scrapbook.
And so, the tour he designed is more people to people oriented. Unlike Varkala or Kovalam, (where you see more foreigners than locals), Johnson would rather you visit his Secret beach. At the Secret beach, you have a beautiful sugar white sandy beach where there are no other tourists, no beach front restaurants, no touts, etc. but where you will encounter fishermen going about their business. Maybe a couple of dolphins, if yourr’e lucky, and definitely pass through a fishing village while you get there.
Now, the normal hill stations that tourists flock to are Periyar in Kumily, Thekkady or to Munnar. While both were once beautiful , the influx of tourists, both domestic and International has lessened it’s appeal. There’s hardly any wildlife left in Periyar wildlife reserve. What’s left of the tigers, elephants, etc. (sadly, after poaching), has retreated deep into the forests – away from clicking, interfering toursits. In Munnar, perhaps there are more hotels and resorts than tea plantations now. Johnson recommends Wayanad, the least poplated of all of Kerala’s districts, where there two wildlife sanctuaries, where elephants, bison, spotted deer, monkeys, peacocks, do not just reside in the forests, but overflow across the forest boundaries into the roads.Where there are tribal hamlets still in the forests, where you can trek across valleys, climb into underground caves, picnic at waterfalls, and experience nature at it’s virgin best. It’s also the place for Theyyam, Kerala’ premiere theatre art form practised only at temples during it’s season in February, March.
So while your’e observing village life while cruising the backwaters in Alleppey on Johnson’s houseboat or relaxing in the soul fulfilling silence of the Artist’s abode at Vagamon, the Kerala Culture Tour aims to expose travellers to
The arts, customs & lifestyles of the average Kerallite.
Taste authentic Kerala cusine at all the venues where your’e hosted during the tour.
See places that are not just scenic and beautiful, but is also meaningful, and less crowded adding more value to your holiday.
In the process, we hope to foster more understanding between people of different cultures, band new firendship, thereby taking a samll but important step in making the world a better place. |
